Cecil the Lion Documentary Airs on Channel 4 Tonight
A compelling new documentary titled Cecil: The Lion and the Dentist premieres tonight at 10pm on Channel 4, delving into the infamous 2015 shooting of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. The film revisits the global outcry that followed when American trophy hunter Walter Palmer killed the beloved animal, sparking intense debates about wildlife conservation and ethical hunting practices.
Multiple Perspectives on a Controversial Event
The documentary approaches the story from several angles, providing a nuanced examination of the incident. It explores how Palmer became a pariah in the aftermath of what many described as his grim holiday activity, facing widespread condemnation and public backlash. Beyond the personal story, the film offers viewers a potted history of Hwange National Park where Cecil lived, examining its crucial role in the local economy and the complex question of nature's value—both spiritual and financial—to surrounding communities.
Other Television Highlights for the Evening
Channel 4 also features George Clarke's Building Home at 8pm, following homeowner Sophie as she renovates her grandparents' former property. Despite budget overruns, Sophie remains driven by sentimental attachment and dreams of a distinctive pink kitchen island. Meanwhile, ITV1 presents the season finale of Grantchester at 9pm, where detective drama unfolds as fascist Wilbur Church is attacked during a Cambridge University visit, prompting a student to plead her innocence with memorable dialogue.
Channel 5 airs Murder Trial: The Suffolk Strangler at 9pm, re-examining the 2008 court case of Steve Wright, who was convicted of killing five Ipswich women in 2006 and recently pleaded guilty to a 1999 murder. The documentary revisits his claims of innocence during the original trial. U&Yesterday offers Hunting Outback Gold at 9pm, following two enthusiasts named Jeff and Brendan as they attempt to prove 1930s prospector Harold Lasseter's claims about buried gold in the Australian outback, featuring exciting metal-detecting adventures in the first episode.
Finally, Channel 4's Random Acts strand continues at 12:05am with Nicola Stead's short film examining what happens after a woman flees domestic violence, with particular focus on how Greater Manchester police have handled abuse cases. This experimental showcase remains a platform for emerging film and television talent.
